One fantastic part of the programme to date has been the Sports Coaching Apprenticeships being offered.

Cassie, aged 18, a current apprentice, has grown up engaging with Sportily, and is now enabling other children and young people to experience the benefits of moving more whilst exploring the Christian faith in community.

Cassie first became involved with Sportily at age 14, when she and her brother joined a football session at Highgrove Park in Churchdown. Soon afterwards, Cassie attended TRAC, a 5-day residential trip, where her time with Sportily really took off.

"My journey started from there. I began helping at holiday clubs as a young leader," Cassie said. "They were the best parts of my year. Seeing so many young people playing sport and communicating beautifully with one another made me want to have a bigger part in Sportily."

Sportily helped Cassie grow in confidence, both personally and as a leader: "From leading a game as a young leader to now being an apprentice running full sessions, I have gained skills in leadership, public speaking, and my professional communication. And I'm still learning every day.

The friendships I have gained are friendships that I treasure so much – and I’m sure to make many new friends and connections in the future," she said.

After considering University, Cassie opted instead for a Sportily apprenticeship, encouraged by conversations with other leaders.

"Like many other people my age, I started by wanting to go to university – my future ambition is to become a police officer. However, I struggled in school, and by the end of sixth form I thought that university wasn't the right path for me. The apprenticeship is perfect for the way I work and learn. I'd recommend it to anyone."

As part of her apprenticeship, Cassie coaches across afterschool clubs, PE lessons, and in pastoral environments.

"I have loved coaching sessions this year, specifically teaching PE. Helping children gain skills that they can take further into life and possibly turn into a lifetime love for sport and physical activity is a main motivation for my work," she said.

Sportily has also helped Cassie begin to explore faith. Though she didn't grow up in a religious family, working alongside the Sportily team and being part of TRAC has opened new space for reflection.

"TRAC residential always brings the spirit into everyone's hearts, our club time in the evenings really makes us think about faith and the way we live our life. And sometimes it can be emotional, and being prayed over, for me, makes me feel very secure – and that everything is okay.

Though I’m not fully sure how far I am on my faith journey, it feels really special to share those moments of reflection and prayer during team meetings and gatherings with Team Sportily. These people are my family, they always will be."

Sportily employs five Sports Coach Apprentices across its network, with each apprenticeship lasting 2 years. For anyone who may be interested, recruitments for those aged 18+ take place in the summer term for a September start each year. 

To be the first to know about our new roles and opportunities, click here.

Click here to find out what's on near you this festive season.

"You have more power than you think!!!!

What is mental health anyway?? I hear the term 'mental health' so much these days in all sorts of contexts; some good, some bad, and some ugly. But recently it got me thinking: what even is my mental health, and how aware of it am I???

When you search it, Google AI describes mental health as:

“Mental health encompasses your emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how you think, feel, act, and interact with others.”

Wow!! If that’s true, then basically everything I do in life has the potential to affect my mental health, for better or for worse. As I thought about this, questions started popping into my head: Am I actually looking after my mental health? Is it really ok not to be ok? What small steps could I take that might actually help me?

There’s loads of research and plenty of brilliant guides out there. I like The 5 Ways to Wellbeing (Mind) and the NHS guide Get Your Mind Plan – Every Mind Matters. These are full of practical tips, but here’s the real question: what does all of that actually look like for you???

So let me encourage you to think about YOU for a second. What’s the first step you could take to look after your mental health? Sometimes we get so focused on the “end goal” and all the things we think we need to do to achieve “good mental health” that it just feels overwhelming. We can also become so fixated on the destination that we lose sight of the journey!!

But breaking things down into smaller decisions and steps can be a huge relief. Simply working out what YOUR next step might be can lead to another, and then another, and that’s how the journey begins. For me, that’s absolutely key to understanding and improving mental health.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, life will always throw things at us — things that test, challenge, encourage, hurt, confuse and enlighten us (and everything in between!). But YOU do have a choice in how you respond.

So here’s a challenge: take a moment right now to check in with yourself. Ask, How am I feeling? Then, whatever your answer is, follow it up with: What can I do to sustain or improve the way I’m feeling today?

As you go from here, remember these points:

• Your mental health journey isn’t a sprint, it’s a lifelong adventure that will change with the seasons of life.
• There are always people who can help, even when things feel really tough.
• Keep checking in with yourself and ask: How am I really doing today?

As a Christian, I believe the Bible when it says that God uniquely created me in his own image. I believe God has given each of us skills and gifts that make us wonderfully unique. He will always be there to love and support us in every part of our lives, no matter what’s going on. And remember the words of worship band Maverick City: “You are not holding God up, so you cannot let him down.”

So why not reach out to him? You never know, you may discover more than you could ever expect or imagine.

Blessings,
Tim Fletcher"

If you’d like to find out more about any of the topics mentioned, please click on the links below: 

"Starting my apprenticeship with Sportily has been an exciting step for me. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to get stuck into something active, people-focused, and hands-on, and this has definitely ticked all those boxes.

I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far. Every week looks a little bit different, which is one of the things I love most about it. The practical side keeps me on my toes with loads of variety; I can go from delivering PE lessons in schools to leading after-school clubs, youth sessions, holiday clubs and supporting events, all in the same month. Working alongside different members of the Sportily team has helped me learn how to create fun, active sessions, and I’ve enjoyed meeting such a wide range of people along the way.

The study element of the apprenticeship is great too, especially because it can all be done from home, rather than having to travel to a university campus. At first I found it a bit daunting being the one leading some of the sessions, but over time, my confidence has really grown, thanks to the support of my tutor and colleagues. I’ve learnt so many new skills — particularly around leadership and knowing how to coordinate a team to successfully run a session.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learnt, try even more new things, and see where this apprenticeship leads in the future.

If you’re someone who enjoys being active, working with people, and learning on the job, I’d definitely recommend giving this kind of opportunity a go, you never know where it might take you! My three bits of advice are: put 100% into what you do, don’t be afraid of asking questions, and enjoy it."

"In February 2024, I joined the Sportily team, and my first session was a 0-5k group taking place throughout Lent. Rather than giving something up, this was a chance to take up something positive and impactful during Lent. After 9 weeks of meeting as a group, it culminated in running 5k at the Lydney Park Run.  

We’ve run (no pun intended!) two 0-5k groups in Newnham, and it’s been wonderful to get to know a variety of people and see them begin their running journey; all because of taking that first step and signing up to come and join the 0-5k. Starting something new can be scary, and joining a group where you don’t know anyone can feel like a challenge. However, the groups are very inclusive and supportive, and it’s a great way to get to know others. Why not join a Sportily 0-5k group that’s happening in your area? Drop us a message if you'd like us to arrange a 0-5k running group in your area!

From our last 0-5k session, the group decided that they’d like to try netball. Some of the group hadn’t played since they were in school, but it was all about ‘giving it a go’. From that, Newnham Netballers was formed! After taking a break for the winter, we’re restarting at the end of August, and anyone over the age of 16 is very welcome to join us! Keep an eye out here for all the details. 

In Secondary School, I always loved cross-country running, and whilst most of my friends hated the bleep test, I loved it! For me, it wasn’t so much the competition against others (we had two very speedy county runners in our year group that I was never going to beat!), but it was the competition against myself. Could I better my time? When it felt like I had nothing left to push on with, could I keep going instead of giving up?  

Running is a wonderful metaphor for life! In the Bible, Paul uses the analogy of a runner in a race; he looks at the determination and discipline needed to win a physical race, as well as the perseverance needed in our spiritual lives. He reminds us not to get off track, not to look back, and to persevere! Sometimes in life, it can feel like you’re running a marathon – backwards and through treacle, but there is always hope and a reason to press on!   

As a Christian, I find that getting out for a run on my own has always been a chance to pause from the busyness of life, to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and to spend time praying. When running with a friend, or with a group, it’s a chance to listen, chat and ‘talk life’, and be part of a wonderful, encouraging community with amazing wellbeing and mental health benefits. 

For me, running is a wonderful culmination of friendship, fitness, fun and faith. Why not come and #give it a go? As is often said, ‘The hardest step is the one out of the door.’"

Click here to find out what's on near you. 

Watch the video below to hear from her: 

Click here to find out what's on near you this term.

Small but mighty is how I would describe the Sportily North Glos Team — and with all its quirks and nuances, it’s a fantastic team to be part of!

What makes our team particularly exciting are the volunteers and young leaders who generously give up their time to help out at sessions. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, I chatted with two of our long-standing young leaders, Jamie (17) and Fin (17).

How long have you been involved with Sportily?

Jamie: About 2 years.

Fin: Almost 5 years.

How did you first get involved with Sportily?

Fin: I went along to a Saturday football session in Churchdown, which was run by Nathan — the legend — and it just went from there. It was always a great session, lots of energy, and loads of fun.

Jamie: Fin mentioned the football session, so I went along to give it a go — and it was cool. 

What do you like about volunteering and being a young leader with Sportily?

Fin: I love being able to play sport and meet new people in the area — coaches and young people too. It’s great building relationships, seeing young people at holiday clubs and then at community sessions as well.

Jamie: I think what I like most is that the sessions aren’t always the same. We get involved in a wide variety of stuff — from breakfast cafés to holiday clubs and community events. Plus, I just really enjoy it!

What would you say to someone looking to get involved with Sportily?

Fin: Don’t be scared to get involved — just give it a go. The teams are welcoming and really fun to be a part of.

What has Sportily done for you?

Fin: Sportily believes in my passion for football and sport, and they’ve supported me in obtaining coaching badges, helping me develop my prospects and experiences.

Jamie: When I leave school, I’m interested in the apprenticeship programme that Sportily offers. Even though it’s still a year or so away, they’ve already been encouraging me and supporting me to build the experience and skills I’ll need to follow that path.

If you could run any type of session within North Glos, what would it be?

Jamie: A football tournament — but I’m also really keen to add more sessions for over-18s and young adults in the area.

Fin: A finger golf club with an annual tournament! 

_________

A huge thank you to all our volunteers — from young leaders to long-standing legends — for the energy, heart and dedication you bring to Sportily. You make everything we do possible, and we’re so proud to have you as part of the team!

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering — whether it’s helping at one-off community events, supporting weekly sessions, or simply bringing a friendly face and a cuppa, we’d love to hear from you! Click here to find out how you can get involved.

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

"Hi! My name is Mark, and I’ve battled with OCD, BDD and ADHD for most of my life. In my previous posts — Let's Chat: World Mental Health Day and Mark’s Mental Health Journey — I shared more about my story, so I won’t repeat it here. But I do want to give you a little update. 😊

A lot has changed since I wrote my last post, and I’m excited to share it with you!

I've always had a huge heart for those struggling with their mental health, especially after my own experiences with illness and hospital admissions. At the beginning of 2023, I felt God whisper to me that He wastes nothing in our lives. Every difficulty, every hard time, and every struggle has a purpose — shaping us into who we’re meant to be, showing us what’s truly important, and enabling us to help others.

That whisper led me to embark on a new, exciting (and daunting!) journey of becoming a therapist. I completed a Level 3 course in Counselling Skills and then applied for a Master’s programme in Counselling and Psychotherapy at UWE University. I’m now just coming to the end of my first year — and believe it or not, I’ve loved every moment of it, even the assignments!

It’s such a privilege to see how my own pain, scars and hardships are being redeemed by God for His Kingdom and glory. My struggles have birthed in me a deeper empathy and compassion for others — qualities that were there before but have now grown to a whole new level. I’m learning to sit with others, listen to them, support them, and use the skills God has given me to help them through their own challenging times.

But here’s the thing — you can do this too!

Carl Rogers, the American psychologist who founded person-centred therapy, once said:

“The most profound gift we can give others is our presence.”

You don’t have to go on a counselling course to offer this gift. The more we work on ourselves, accept ourselves, and find peace within ourselves, the more we can be a presence of hope for others. When people see someone who has done the hard work of healing and growth, it gives them hope that change is possible for them too.

Let me encourage you — you can do this! When we show up fully present for another person, attuned to their needs and giving them our undivided attention, it not only helps them but transforms us as well.

So, who in your world today needs you to be fully present for them?

How might God want to use your experiences to walk alongside another?

Remember this: God wastes nothing.
("Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." — John 6:12)

Praying for fullness of life for you on your journey,
Mark"

To attend one of Mark's fitness sessions, click here.

If you’d like to find out more about any of the topics mentioned, please click on the links below: 

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

"My Journey with Mental Health – What Kept Me Going

Looking back on my early teenage years, school was tough for me. I struggled with dyslexia, and it often made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. The one thing that gave me confidence and made me feel valued was swimming. I threw myself into it, literally. The more I swam, the more I felt like I had a purpose.

But as school became more challenging, my self-worth started to fade. I didn’t feel seen. Swimming remained my outlet, but gradually it became tied to how I looked and what I ate. I began focusing more on my diet in ways that weren’t healthy, and eventually, my body went into survival mode. I became so unwell that I was hospitalised and put on bed rest. The doctors diagnosed me with anorexia, but I was so malnourished I couldn’t fully understand it.

Support Through the Struggle

The years that followed were incredibly difficult, but I was lucky to have the support of an amazing eating disorder clinic. They didn’t just help me – they helped my family too. Watching someone you love go through something like this is heartbreaking, and that support was a lifeline for all of us.

A turning point came when my body simply couldn’t cope any longer. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically, and I reached a place where I felt like I couldn’t keep going. I’d become consumed by the idea of being smaller than everyone else.  

One Sunday evening, I went to church with my family – my Dad’s a minister, so it was a regular part of our lives. I was completely drained, and during the service, something inside me broke open. I turned to my mum and said, “I can’t do this anymore. I need help.” People gathered around to pray for me. I desperately needed a miracle and that night, something shifted. I found myself saying the words, “I need to eat now.”  

It surprised everyone, including me. That night, I had my first full meal in a long time – yes, even cake. I still remember the exact slice. What used to bring me fear became a symbol of hope. That moment marked the beginning of real healing.

Finding Strength in Pilates

After I started eating again, I was still very weak, but I wanted to move my body in a new, healthier way. I needed to find something that would nourish me physically and emotionally. That’s when I discovered Pilates.

I learned that it was originally used to help soldiers recover from the trauma of war. That spoke to me – I felt like I’d been in a battle too. The Pilates reformer was even inspired by hospital beds and springs for those who couldn’t get up. I had been that patient once, and it made sense to start here.

I began slowly, with worship music playing in the background. I would pray during my practice. It was gentle, restorative, and it gave me space to rebuild – body, mind, and spirit. I fell in love with Pilates. It helped me reconnect with myself and with God. It gave me back my strength and a renewed sense of who I am.

Eventually, I trained as a Pilates instructor, so I could help others experience the same transformation. Through this journey, I’ve found a way of moving that supports my mental health as much as my physical health. I’ve not just regained life – I’ve discovered a life of joy and purpose, aligned with how I believe God created me to be.

A Message of Hope

If you’re going through something similar – whether it’s a struggle with mental health, physical health, or both, I want you to know there is a way forward. Your challenges don’t define who you are. They are part of your story, not the whole story.

I spent eight years in an eating disorder clinic. Healing didn’t happen overnight. It was slow, messy, and full of ups and downs. Even now, I sometimes still battle with the same thoughts. But the difference is, I know I don’t have to act on them. I can bring them to God in prayer and trust Him to carry me through each day.

Recovery is not always a straight line. But no matter how long it’s been or how deep the struggle feels, it’s never too late for God to work in your life. He’s not finished with you yet. He can turn even the darkest times into something beautiful.

Today, five years on, I still practice Pilates six days a week. It’s my daily reset, my space to continue healing and growing. I feel the strongest and most grounded I’ve ever been. 

Thank you for reading my story. I hope it encourages you wherever you are on your journey."

— Abbie Clarke

Pilates Specialist Sports Coach at Sportily

To attend one of Abbie’s sessions, click here.

If you’d like to find out more about any of the topics mentioned, please click on the links below: 

Click here to find out what's on near you this Easter.

"Tennis legend Serena Williams has faced numerous injuries and health issues throughout her career, including a life-threatening pulmonary embolism in 2011. Despite these setbacks, Williams has displayed remarkable resilience and determination, going on to win multiple Grand Slam titles after her recovery.

Now the question for this Easter: How do I deal with setbacks?

As Christians, we may wrestle with questions about trusting our Saviour—especially when life doesn't make sense, and when bad things happen to good people. Right?

When I read the Easter story of Jesus going to the cross to die for our sins, this verse came to mind:

“From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)”
— Matthew 27:45–46

This passage is arguably one of the saddest and most perplexing scriptures in the Bible. Martin Luther once asked: How can God forsake God?… Or did He?
Jesus trusted the Father completely—even unto death—yet still uttered those heart-wrenching words.

Here’s the thing: we can’t fully understand everything from God’s perspective. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:12,

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

If you read the word NOWHERE, what do you see?
You can interpret it in two ways:

• NOWHERE, suggesting that God is absent, uncaring, or silent.
• NOW-HERE, affirming that God is present, attentive, and right by your side.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Take courage this Easter, knowing this truth from Isaiah 55:8–9:

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

There are many things we simply don’t understand. But this Easter, as you reflect on the cross and what Jesus did for us, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you see NOW-HERE—to open your heart to a deeper, divine perspective.

Remember these unchanging truths:

• God is good. Always. “No one is good—except God alone.” — Mark 10:18
• God is for you. Forever. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31
• God is with you. Always. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5

Have a wonderful Easter. May the finished work of Jesus fill you once again with hope, awe, and gratitude—giving you a renewed perspective: a God perspective."

"What an inspiration Manette Baillie is! Last month, at the ripe old age of 102, she jumped out of an aeroplane in Sussex! What an inspiring woman — who’s your inspiration?

Click here for the story.

As I’m currently training to become a Pilates instructor in a world where age matters, it’s no mean feat. As a mature member of the Sportily team, my motivation to improve my own fitness aligns with my determination to see others get fitter, improve their posture, breathe better, and live life to the full, just like Manette. However, I sometimes catch myself thinking… ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m not thin enough’, or ‘I’m too old’. It’s then that I realise I’m trapped in a negative self-esteem loop and need to break free!

It seems to be becoming increasingly difficult for women to have high self-esteem and to love themselves for who they are in a world full of expectations, ‘thinspiration’, and unprecedented pressure on women to be perfect — especially through social media. Although there have been many advertising campaigns celebrating voluptuous figures, such as F&F and Dove, I wonder how that translates into women’s body positivity in real life and whether it really builds our self-esteem.

The NHS has researched self-esteem and shares the following definition and accompanying information: "Self-esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves, and low self-esteem often begins in childhood. Our teachers, friends, siblings, parents, and even the media send us positive and negative messages about ourselves."

They state that, "When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about ourselves and life in general. It makes us more able to deal with life’s ups and downs. However, when our self-esteem is low, we tend to see ourselves and our lives in a more negative and critical light. We also feel less able to take on the challenges that life throws at us."

Perhaps you’ve found it difficult to live up to other people’s expectations of you, or even your own? This can also have a negative effect on your self-esteem. It seems that some people are just more prone to negative thinking, while others set impossibly high standards for themselves and want everything to be perfect! Do you see a glass half full or half empty?

Research suggests that if you have low self-esteem or confidence, you may hide yourself away from social situations, stop trying new things, and avoid things you find challenging.

Maybe there are a few steps that you could take to help build your own self-esteem or that of a young person or loved one. Sport is a healthy and positive way to start the journey. Click here to find out what the NHS share about the benefits of exercise.

There is a lot of advice in the media offering to help improve your self-esteem, but I personally find that the Bible provides words of encouragement for me in Philippians 4:6-7 NIV, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Friends, family, and I sometimes catch my negative words, and my thoughts then become actions and my face downcast. But when I cling onto God’s words, it breaks the cycle. How do you build positive self-esteem in yourself and others?

Click here to find out more about ways to improve your self-esteem from YoungMinds.

At Sportily, we want people to #MoveMore, to #GiveItAGo, and #TrySomethingNew. We work with people from zero to one hundred (and two) and are a fun and friendly group of employees, sessional workers, and volunteers who truly believe that you matter. We have your health and wellbeing in mind and offer a variety of activities, events, and sports for you to enjoy. Your self-esteem and confidence will hit an all-time high if you come and join in with us.

It’s not too late to change the habit of a lifetime, but it does take time to adjust to the routine. Why not click here and let us help you take the first step?

To read Jo's previous blog posts, click the links below:

Did you know that there are fewer girls participating in sport?

Why is women's participation in sort lower than mens?

References: NHS website

Recommended reading:

Self Esteem: A guide to help you cope

"A seemingly simple question but perhaps not so simple to answer. I was fortunate to play rugby for 30 consecutive seasons, enjoy coaching now and, as my family will testify, am also a fan watching as many matches as I can from many different leagues, cups and tournaments around the world. Of course, the Six Nations is one of the best with it's history, the rivalry and the high quality (mostly!) rugby on display.  

What I have noticed is that many people who ask questions then go and quickly answer them for you. Having asked me the question around rugby the answers that people give on my behalf are normally:  

‘I bet you love the physicality.’ I do, and I do miss this now I cannot play. For my being physical and active are massively linked to my physical and mental health and general happiness. While rugby is a physical game it is, in fact, an invasion and evasion sport and what I love most of all about rugby is the creativity and co-creation that takes places on the pitch with so many moving parts and possibilities. As well as being physical beings I also believe we are creative beings made by the ultimate Creator. It is important I find space and time to be physical, to be active and to creative. I think this is true for all of us although it does not need to be through rugby.  

‘I bet you love winning.’ I do love competition, but this is not the same as winning nor winning at all costs. For the youth teams I have coached I would much rather we played a competitive match and lost than an easy win. There are times we lost a match, but we were coaching for a longer-term win of player development or player retention. I believe that we are given gifts and talents by God, and we are called to do the very best with them. This takes effort and energy and drive, and this is similar to my competitive spirit. Being part of the team that established and leads Sportily is one example of where this competitive spirit has been utilised for the good of many others. I have been known to be over competitive, and it is in these moments I try to remember that, for me, I am playing/coaching for an audience of one no matter whether I win, lose or draw. For me, that audience is Jesus – creator of the universe.  

‘I bet you love the beer.’ I do like a beer (alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties are available) but it is always about the people. I have lived in Bristol, Southampton, Beverley, Liverpool and now Gloucestershire and in all these places I could turn up to ‘my’ rugby club and find some people to chat and spend time with. People I care about and who care about me.  I believe we are created to be part of families, tribes, teams and not isolated people. As work and life gets busy, as I get drawn into my next book or crime drama or even doom scrolling, I need to remember that I need to get out and be with people. I love that this creation of communities runs through all that we do here at Sportily.  

‘I bet you love that it gives you something to do.’ This question is always around people wanting to know about where my value and purpose comes from. Rugby gives me many things, as can be seen above, and it is even a place in where I find myself able to worship God, but my value is not in how well my team played or how I played or coached. My purpose is not in nor of rugby - my fullness of life comes only through God. I will try to remember this as I watch England play and as I stand watching the team I currently coach no matter how well they are playing."

For more information about any of our sessions, click here.

"I wouldn’t call myself sporty but I do like to be active. I love a long walk, whatever the weather. I connect walking boots on my feet with feeling good. A walk in torrential rain when wrapped up warm, snuggled inside a waterproof is one of my happy places. It’s been scientifically proven that walking in the rain is even better for us than walking when it’s sunny. Yes, the sunshine helps our vitamin D levels and boosts our mood, but breathing in wonderfully damp, droplet-laden air can relieve stress and increase our energy levels.  

But even for me, an avid walker, getting out on a dull, dreary winter’s day when there are only a few hours of daylight and the paths underfoot are muddy can be a challenge. I can sit at my computer for hours and make every excuse as to why I’ll leave it another half an hour or why it can wait until tomorrow. Before I know it, the sun has set and it’s too late. Yet without fail, I know a walk will make me feel better, my head will be clearer and my body will be healthier. 

When I go for a walk and give myself a bit more time, I like to be intentional about paying attention to my surroundings. I take notice of how my body feels: the cold air on my cheeks, the way my limbs warm up as I walk. I look closely at things which catch my eye: a droplet of water on a blade of grass, a green shoot poking up between paving slabs, the long shadow my body casts in the low winter sun. I listen to the sounds around me: the song of a robin from a branch or the scampering of a squirrel through dry leaves. I pause and touch a smooth leaf or the rough bark of a tree, noticing the different textures and the variety within the natural world.  

As I move mindfully, my walk becomes much more than just ‘going for a walk’; it becomes a prayer. I wonder: what might God be saying to me through all that I notice? I ask: what could I do to take care of the area I live in? I give thanks: for my body, my senses, the beauty of the world around me.  

This week, why not wrap up warm and head out for a winter walk, whether that’s around your housing estate, along a canal or into the forest. Go alone, take your dog, or find a friend to join you. Most of all, pay attention to how it makes you feel. I always come home smiling, inspired to make plans for when I can go out again. I hope you do too!"

But what even is a vegan? What are the benefits of going plant-based? More importantly, what are the negatives? Keep reading to see how Sport and Faith Coach, Luke unpacks Veganuary. 

Health Benefits of Going Vegan 

Switching to a vegan diet for a month might feel like a big change, but the health benefits can be incredible. A well-balanced vegan diet is packed with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, which are all great for your overall health. Studies have shown that vegans tend to have lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, largely due to the absence of saturated fats from animal products. At Sportily we believe that moving more is good for your mental and physical health; eating a healthy range of foods works well to complement being active.  

Moreover, many people report feeling more energised and less bloated when they adopt a plant-based diet. Plus, with so many delicious plant-based alternatives available today, it's easier than ever to enjoy satisfying meals without missing out on flavour. I'm sure a ‘meat-free meal’ has caught your eye in the local shops recently.   

The Cost Factor 

One of the common misconceptions about going vegan is that it’s expensive. While certain speciality vegan products (like plant-based meats or dairy alternatives) can be pricey, you can actually eat very affordably on a vegan diet. Beans, lentils, rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables are all budget-friendly staples that form the backbone of many plant-based meals. Buying in bulk and cooking at home will save you money, too. Plus, with the growing popularity of veganism, supermarkets are increasingly offering affordable vegan options, making it easier to stick to your budget. And what should you spend the saved money on? More Sportily sessions of course!  

Environmental Impact 

If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact on the planet, Veganuary is a great place to start. Animal agriculture is one of the leading contributors to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. By going vegan for just one month, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Apparently, a vegan diet can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. Plus, it takes far less land and water to grow plants than to raise animals for food, meaning you’ll be contributing to the conservation of our natural resources. You’re far more likely to know where the food has come from, the conditions it was grown in and sleep peacefully knowing that no animals were harmed.  

No doubt there will be an organic farm shop local to you (don’t pretend you didn’t wince at the thought of the prices), which offers a variety of seasonal produce from sustainable locations. Adding these products to your diet means you know where your food is coming from, you can trust that the quality is higher than store-bought, and your money is going to the farmers, not through a production chain starting thousands of miles away.  

A Month of Awareness 

Participating in Veganuary is more than just a diet change; it’s an opportunity to learn about where your food comes from and how it affects your health and the world around you. You don’t have to commit to being vegan forever, but the experience can open your eyes to a new way of eating – one that’s kinder to animals and the planet. 

So, whether you’re in it for the health benefits, the environmental impact, or simply to try something new, Veganuary is a great way to start the year with a positive, mindful approach to food. And who knows, even if you don’t stick with it beyond January, it should give you a couple of new recipes, and you’ll be well-appreciated by any vegan friends coming over for dinner.   

We back the old saying ‘Health is Wealth’, so why not try something new to improve your health this year, adding more plant-based meals to your food plans, and joining others in your local community to move more!"